“Shut the fuck up, Garrett.” Christian shoved his friend in the shoulder before coming into my hotel room. Penny and Garrett followed, and for the first time since I got in my car that morning, I relaxed and was happy to be here.
These were some of my favorite people in the world, and yes, they preferred a sport I hated, but this trip would be fun. A nice reprieve from my lack of love life and battle against the boys’ club at work.
Christian pulled me into a hug, his grip harder than normal before he looked down at me. “Gross. I’m gonna have to photoshop this egg out of all the photos.”
“Christian, don’t be an asshole.” Penny came up and pulled me from his arms. “Let me have a look.” She frowned and clicked her tongue. “Come on, sis. Let’s leave the guys and go check the doctor. We’re not doing a damn thing until we make sure you’re okay.”
As Penny dragged me to the door, I spared a glance at Hayden over my shoulder. His gaze was on me, his eyes unreadable. No trace of the brief moment we had. No sign of a truce between us. But when Penny looped her arm in mine, a different feeling warmed me. I might never get a chance with Hayden, but I had an incredible friend group around me. My brother and his fiancée were more best friends than family, and Garrett would lend anyone the shirt off his back. Would he flex and show off his muscles? For sure, but he’d do anything for anyone he cared about. I would focus on those people and not the guy who broke my heart.
CHAPTER SIX
HAYDEN
Christian, Garrett, and I found a spot at the resort bar as we waited for the women to return. The leather booths were covered in Christmas lights, and an evergreen scent filled the air. If I were someone who cared about the holidays as much as the Calhouns, I’d say it was magical. Intoxicating, even, with how the cheery music in the background went with the classy decorations. Presents were everywhere. Probably fake, but they were expertly wrapped. Families and couples lined the bar, bright red and green mugs steaming in their hands. Was it hot chocolate or whiskey? Why did I want both?
My skin tightened with unease as Christian slid into a booth. It was rare that I had a moment like this, where I was responsible for only myself. I didn’t know how to relax like Christian and Garrett. They were laughing, not giving a single shit about anything.
They were worried about Charlotte—that was clear—but besides that? They were so carefree. I stopped being that way when I learned about Gwen. I wouldn’t trade her for the entire world, but it was tough to turn back into the old me. Even now, I tried not to stress about everything I needed to do with my parents moving, but failed. The pre-dad me was buried deep, hibernating, unwilling to come out.
Christian must’ve sensed my mood, and he nudged my knee with his. “My man, there are no frowns on my trip. You figure your shit out and be fun.”
“Yes, that’s how normal people operate, Chrissy.” Garrett rolled his eyes. “He’s worried about Charlotte. Once she’s back, he’ll cheer up. Am I right?”
My gaze slid to Garrett, his knowing smirk grating every single one of my nerves. Was he hinting at something? No, this was more than a hint. Did she tell him what happened all those years ago? No, there was no way. Unless they grew closer, and no one told me. The thought of them together caused a hurricane of emotions, all bad ones, to swirl under my skin. Garrett wasn’t good enough for her. Not even a little bit.
“Okay, good.” Christian sobered, his face tight. “Penny texted that Charlotte’s doing fine. No concussion, just a bruise and a cut. They’ll be back soon. No need to stress, okay? Charmander is tough.”
“Yeah. She’s all attitude and muscles.” Garrett winked at me. “The second you realize she’s my dream girl, I’m going after her.”
Christian stilled, his eyes turning to slits. “No.”
“She’s grown up now, bro. She can make her own choices.She doesn’t need her older brother to make them for her.” Garrett played with fire. The group daredevil, he arched his fingers so they were together like a villain as he leaned back in his chair. “Hayden agrees with me.”
Well, fuck.
I shrugged. “Char can make her own decisions, but I agree, if she chose Garrett for any reason, she’s not well.”
“If I go to jail for beating his ass, can you bail me out?” Christian held out his fist, and I hit it.
“Yup.”
It was our continual joke. Since Gwen arrived, we knew I’d never be the one to get arrested, but before fatherhood, we had a back-and-forth thing going. It was all in fun, but I had a feeling this time he wasn’t kidding. The way Garrett spoke about his women, how much of a bachelor he was, there was no fucking way Christian would be cool with him getting together with his sister.
I’m nothing like him.I shook the thought away. I might not be a womanizer like Garrett, but I still couldn’t offer Charlotte what she deserved, no matter how much I wanted her. Instead I’d find other ways to support her, any way I could. Like this interview she never told me about. “Hey, you never told me Char was going for a head coaching job.”
“Oh yeah.” Christian scoffed. “It’s in two weeks—right before our wedding!”
It still stung that she chose not to tell me—an assistant coach of a D1 college baseball team. Guilt ate me up inside out because I knew it was my fault. I had pushed her away and made it impossible for us to be friends. I hated that.Gripping a Christmas tree coaster left on the table, I tore the paper into pieces to keep my fingers busy.
“She sent me her résumé and vision for the team. She nailed it.” Garrett sighed and rubbed his hands on top of the table. “Y’all like busting my balls, but one of my many talents is copyediting. I do freelance jobs, and Charlotte sends me stuff from time to time. She helps me out with things. We’re friends. Why are you both staring at me like that?”
What things did she help him out with? I thought she disliked Garrett? When did they become closer? Did she move on from me and to her brother’s other best friend?
Why did my chest ache? I scratched it, willing the dull pain to disappear.
“How long has this been going on?” Christian asked, his voice steady. “What things does she help you with?”
Great fucking question.
